Category Archives: Influence

Unintentional Mentoring

Posted on January 3, 2022 by familyencouragement

I have been blessed by having many mentors that have influenced me, the majority of them were unintentional mentors.   By that, I mean they were pouring into my life, but they had no idea how much influence they had. It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Issues, Friends, Influence, mentor, mentoring | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A Mentor with a Heart

Posted on August 7, 2021 by familyencouragement

I’ve always been quiet.   My natural temperament is one of introversion.  Social settings have not always comfortable for me, especially large ones.   As a young teenager a lay leader in our church profoundly impacted my life and he never knew … Continue reading →

Posted in Caring, Compassion, Equipping, Influence, Kindness, Leadership, Legacy, Love, mentor, mentoring, Mentors | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Making Your Husband Feel Loved

Posted on January 24, 2017 by familyencouragement

There are differences in the way that men and women perceive and express love.   Understanding them will strengthen your marriage as you communicate love to your spouse in a way they best understand. One of the key ways a man … Continue reading →

Posted in Admiration, Affirmation, close family, communication, Criticism, differences in men and women, familiy issues, family, Husband, Influence, Marriage, Men, Wife | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Most Neglected Advisers

Posted on April 20, 2016 by familyencouragement

When I wanted to ask Paula to marry me, I didn’t do so spontaneously.   There was something that I had to do first.   While I knew she was God’s choice for me I needed to get the approval of … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, Change, Children, church, counsel, Decision-making, Decisions, familiy issues, family, Father, Friends, guidance, Influence, mentor, Mother, Parenting, Personal Growth, problems, Success, Will of God, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Three Essential Qualities for Advisers

Posted on March 28, 2016 by familyencouragement

I attended a Christian college and we had chapel services during the week.   Those were great hours when some of America’s greatest preachers and Bible teachers came to speak to us.   Also, announcements were made that pertained to the student … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, Change, counsel, Decision-making, Decisions, familiy issues, family, Friends, friendship, guidance, Influence, mentor, mentoring, Personal Growth, perspective, problems, Rebuke, Success, Teaching, Will of God, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Value of Advisors

Posted on March 12, 2016 by familyencouragement

In the early 80’s my wife and I lived in the Washington D.C. area and I had a good friend that was in the Secret Service.  When our friends from out of town would visit my friend would graciously take … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, Bible, Decision-making, Decisions, familiy issues, family, Friends, friendship, guidance, Influence, mentor, mentoring, problems, Success, Will of God, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Complaining Affects Your Family

Posted on March 11, 2015 by familyencouragement

I was visiting at a close friend’s house and decided to treat the family to supper.   It was a small town and so the options were limited.   After talking about possibilities we decided on some ribs.   The father of my … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, close family, closeness, Complaining, Criticism, disagreements, Encouragement, example, expectation, Family Issues, Gratitude, griping, Influence, praise | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

How to Change Your Complaining to Gratitude

Posted on February 26, 2015 by familyencouragement

In the late 1970’s as a junior in college I was privileged to serve in a wonderful church in Madison, Alabama.     Each weekend I traveled from Chattanooga to minister in a variety of ways.   They were very special years in … Continue reading →

Posted in adversity, Complaining, Faithfulness, Gratitude, Influence, Joy, suffering, surrender | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Best Friends Encourage One Another

Posted on April 1, 2014 by familyencouragement

Recently one of my dearest friends stopped by the house to visit.    We talked for a while, mostly about nothing significant.   I was blessed and strengthened by our conversation.   It was especially meaningful because of my physical condition.   I have … Continue reading →

Posted in Affirmation, Criticism, Encouragement, Family Issues, Friends, Influence, Speech | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Best Friends are Honest

Posted on March 15, 2014 by familyencouragement

Once I was complaining about an issue and when I finally finished my diatribe a close friend made a quiet, but convicting comment to me.   He said, “Rick, that’s not like you to be cynical”.    While I didn’t enjoy the … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Family Issues, Father, Friends, Influence, Love, Parenting, Rebuke | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment